You have just arrived at the Hobart Airport and collected your Campervan and you got the best deal by comparing prices and features on Tasmania.com. Rather than driving straight into Hobart, let’s head out on an adventure to the Tasman Peninsula.
I have chosen Eaglehawk Neck, near Port Arthur because it has some great beaches, wonderful coastal scenery and excellent forests to explore. Here are the directions for the drive to the Tasman Peninsula.
As a base camp, I would suggest Eaglehawk Neck for two or three nights. The beach there is wonderful and a cosy, pub around the corner comes in handy. It is only a 20 minute drive to Port Arthur, the Remarkable Cave and Fortescue Bay from Eaglehawk Neck. The coastal cliff formations that you will view, stretching south from Eaglehawk Neck are truly astounding.
The walks along the cliff tops are well fenced and very safe – treat yourself to some of the finest coastal scenery in the world.
Take the Tasman Island Cruise to see the cliffs at sea level and to get up close to dolphins, the Great Southern Albatross and more seals than you thought could fit onto one rock ledge.
If you enjoy coastal walks, the half day trek from Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy will allow you to get up close and personal with the Great Southern Ocean – the sea cliffs are 300 meters high, rising from the deep ocean and are riddled with caves and arches.
For some excellent coastal walking, the return walk to Cape Hauy from Fortescue Bay can be completed in about 4 hours but to do justice to the scenery and the bushland, it is a good idea to allow a longer period and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch at the Cape itself. The walk provides magnificent views of the coast together with high cliffs and spectacular rock formations.
The open air museum Port Arthur Historic Site is the best reconstruction of convict life in early Australia and well worth the visit. You will hear stories of the inmates who suffered at Port Arthur and learn the purposes of the many different buildings situated around the site. Although Port Arthur’s past is riddled with stories of convicts, crimes and punishment, what you may not expect is how this outdoor location provides the space for reflection. If you like the scary stuff and are ready for a fright, enjoy the Ghost Tour as evening falls, and a guide walks you through the site when the souls of tormented prisoners roam.
To the south of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the road ends in a spectacular fashion. The cliffs, the walk and the access to the wild coastline is truly remarkable and is worth the hour or so drive it takes to get there.
From Port Arthur, stay on the C347 and drive the 5kms (3 miles) to the Remarkable Cave car park. It is also worth taking the side road to the left as you come to the Caves car park to visit the blowhole and for incredible views across the Southern Ocean to Tasman Island.
Here, there is nothing between you and Antarctica. Except a few small islands and lots and lots of water.
The Tasman Peninsula will give you a great look at Tassie’s amazing history and coastal scenery. A great way to experience it is with Campervan Hire in Tasmania.
Recommended Self Drive Itineraries and Tasman Peninsula Tours:
